Packing for a move is complicated enough when everything goes directly to your new home. But what if a portion of your move incorporates long-term storage items? Maybe you’re being posted somewhere only temporarily? going to school for a couple of years, or your home won’t be completely ready for a while?
How do you make sure your things are adequately protected, and how do you manage it logistically?
Piles
Sort the long-term storage items into a staging area, whether it’s an empty room or just a corner or shelf.
If you can’t create a staging area, or can’t move big items into it, code items. Flag long-term storage items with colored paper or the word “storage” so you can tell at a glance what’s going.
You don’t need to sort and stage everything before you move on to next steps – just get it started.
Purge
You’re paying to move and store all this stuff: don’t pay for more than you must. As you pack, get rid of anything you no longer need or want. Keep a purge box with you, pop unwanted items into it as you work. Then, when the box is full, put it straight into your car for donation. Repeat.
Protect
Ensure valuables are covered on your insurance policy. As you go, snap photos of items; later, swipe through, make a list, and send it to your insurance agent. They can help you from there.
Polish
Make sure long-term storage items are clean and dry to minimize deterioration. You don’t need to detail each item, but remove grit that can scratch or moisture that can warp, swell, or harbor growth. Clothing should be clean and dry.
Prepare
If you can, use plastic storage totes or new boxes. Identical containers are easier to stack securely, and sturdy new containers protect longer. Use appropriate containers: dish boxes for dishes and fragile items, wardrobe boxes for apparel. Avoid plastic bags unless your long-term goals include mildew.
Protect physically
Large long-term storage items are best stored safely and securely by disassembling them. Protect legs or loose/fragile pieces with shrink wrap and paper, blankets or cardboard.
Drain, dry, and wipe out appliances. A swipe with baking soda can help prevent odor.
Wrap fragile items and artwork in paper and bubble wrap. Fill boxes completely with packing materials so no shifting occurs. Protect large pieces with cardboard or blankets.
If books are among your long-term storage items, they are best packed flat in small airtight boxes.
Clothes and linens fare best in a wardrobe box for maximum air circulation or in vacuum bags for no circulation and reduced volume.
Paperwork
As you fill each box, jot the contents on a sheet of paper. Number the paper, number the box, and put the papers in a safe place. Your future self will thank you.
Professional Movers
The above aside, get help packing! Branch Out Moving and Delivery doesn’t just load trucks. Our pros have seen it all, and can often pack far more quickly than you can. Thus cutting down your move time as well as your stress!